A Guide to Making Your Home More Accessible

General Home Areas

Incorporate Extra Lighting

Placement Recommendations

• Work Areas: Check that all work areas, such as countertops, stovetops, and sinks, have adequate task lighting to support safe and efficient food preparation and cooking.
• Entry Points: Illuminate entry points and pathways to facilitate safe movement and reduce tripping or bumping into obstacles.
• Cabinets & Pantries: Install lighting inside cabinets and pantries to make it easier to locate items, especially in deep or crowded spaces.

Utilize Non-Slip Mats & Rugs

Cooking and bathing areas are prone to spills, moisture, and high traffic, making them particularly hazardous without proper precautions. Non-slip mats and rugs provide traction underfoot. These cushioned mats will also alleviate discomfort from standing for long periods. Place non-slip mats in high-risk areas such as in front of the sink, stove, and refrigerator in the kitchen, and near the bathtub, shower, and sink in the bathroom.

Door Handles & Faucet Handles

Replacing traditional door knobs with lever handles is a simple yet highly effective modification to improve accessibility in the home. Lever handles are easier to use for people of all ages and abilities, particularly those with limited hand strength, arthritis, or disabilities.

Lever handles require less grip strength and dexterity to operate compared to traditional round knobs. They can be easily pushed down or pulled up, which is good for limited dexterity.

Although there are many different types of bathroom faucet handles, the best faucets to facilitate accessibility are those with blade or lever-style handles. There are a whole set of ADA compliance rules and requirements to follow, so it is best to conduct your own research on the topic and understand the things you need to know about ada compliant faucets and fixtures.

Kitchen Area

General Kitchen Accessibility Challenges

The kitchen is often the least accessible area in a home, posing numerous challenges for individuals with disabilities or mobility issues. Here are common accessibility challenges to consider:

• Countertop & Cabinet Height: Standard countertop and cabinet heights may be too high for individuals using wheelchairs or those of shorter stature, making it difficult to reach and use these areas.
• Limited Mobility Space: Narrow pathways and limited space between kitchen elements can hinder movement.
• Reaching Appliances and Storage: Appliances and storage units placed too high or too low can require excessive reaching, bending, or stooping.
• Lack of Adequate Lighting: Insufficient lighting can reduce visibility and increase the possibility of accidents.
• Hard-to-Operate Fixtures: Hard-to-turn faucets and complicated appliance controls can pose barriers for individuals with limited strength or dexterity.

Avoid Above-the-Counter Microwaves

To create a more accessible and user-friendly kitchen, avoid placing microwaves in high, hard-to-reach locations. Typically microwaves at this height will impose challenges such as extended reaching, increased spills, and limited visibility. 

The ideal height for a microwave is between 15 and 48 inches from the floor, making it accessible for most users, including those in wheelchairs. Using lower cabinetry or drawer placement for the microwave might help mitigate these issues.

ADA Countertop Height

Ensuring that countertops in the kitchen meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines is key for creating an accessible and functional space for all users, including those with disabilities. Proper countertop height can improve comfort, usability, and independence in the kitchen.

Proper height reduces strain on the back, shoulders, and arms, making kitchen tasks easier and more comfortable. The perfect height will help so that anyone can perform kitchen tasks independently, promoting self-sufficiency and confidence.

ADA Dimension Requirements

The ADA recommends that the countertop height for accessible kitchens be 34 inches from the floor to the top of the countertop. This height accommodates both seated and standing users. Underneath the countertop, there should be a clear knee space of at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 19 inches deep to grant wheelchair users to roll up and work comfortably. A toe clearance of at least 9 inches high and 6 inches deep under the countertop is also required to provide additional space for wheelchair users.

Bathroom Area

Grab Bars by Toilet & Shower

Installing grab bars in the bathroom is a great upgrade to make for leveling up safety and usability. Bathrooms are high-risk areas for slips and falls due to wet and slippery surfaces. Grab bars supply a secure point to hold onto, reducing risk.

Types of Grab Bars

• Straight Grab Bar: These are the most common types and can be installed horizontally, vertically, or at an angle, depending on the user’s needs and the bathroom layout.
• Angled Grab Bar: These bars are designed to provide support at a specific angle, which can be useful for different grip positions and ergonomic support.
• Wave or Designer Grab Bar: These bars combine safety and design, a stylish alternative to traditional grab bars. These kinds of bars are typically not ADA-approved but still provide adequate safety.

Shower Safety: Seats & Hand-Held Shower Head

Shower seat and hand-held shower head features provide support for individuals, allowing them to shower independently and comfortably. Shower seats are a stable and secure place to sit while reducing the possibility of falling. Sitting down while showering can also alleviate strain on the legs and back, making the showering experience more comfortable.

Types of Shower Seats

• 
  Wall-Mounted Foldable Seats: These seats are attached to the shower wall and can be folded up when not in use, saving space in the shower area.
• Freestanding Shower Chairs: These chairs are portable and can be moved in and out of the shower as needed. They are typically made of waterproof materials and have non-slip feet for stability.
• Built-In Benches: Built-in benches are permanent fixtures within the shower and provide a larger seating area. They can be integrated into the shower design for a sleeker look.
• Transfer Benches: These benches extend outside the shower, which lets individuals sit down and slide over into the shower, which is particularly useful for wheelchair users.

Types of Hand-Held Shower Heads

• 
  Standard Hand-Held Shower Heads: These shower heads are detachable from a fixed mount and can be held in hand to direct water flow as needed.
• Adjustable Slide Bar Shower Heads: These shower heads are mounted on a vertical slide bar, where users can adjust the height and position of the shower head.
• Dual Shower Heads: These systems feature both a fixed shower head and a hand-held unit, providing flexibility and convenience.

Walk-In Tubs & Integrated Seats

Walk-in bathtubs eliminate the need to step over high tub walls, while bathtubs with seats are a stable place to sit, making it easier for individuals to bathe safely. Both walk-in and seated bathtubs often include features such as padded seats and backrests.

Both tub types may feature a low-entry threshold and a watertight door that opens and closes, allowing individuals to walk in and out easily. They can also come with built-in seats, grab bars, and non-slip surfaces. 

ADA Bathroom Dimensions

The minimum floor space required for an ADA-compliant bathroom is 60 inches by 56 inches.

Doors should have a minimum width of 32 inches when open, with 36 inches as an ideal width to accommodate wheelchairs. The door should swing outwards or slide to maximize interior space.

There must be a clear floor space of at least 30 inches by 48 inches in front of fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and showers to give room for forward and parallel approaches by wheelchair users.

Dimensions by Fixture Type

• Toilet
• Height: The toilet seat height should be 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the top of the seat.
• Grab Bar: Install grab bars on the side wall closest to the toilet (at least 42 inches long) and the rear wall (at least 36 inches long). These should be positioned 33 to 36 inches above the floor.
• Clearance: There should be a minimum clearance of 60 inches from the side wall and 56 inches from the rear wall around the toilet to provide enough space for a wheelchair transfer.
• Sink
• Height: The sink should be mounted no higher than 34 inches above the floor, with a clear knee space of at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 19 inches deep underneath.
• Faucet: Single-lever or touchless faucets are recommended for ease of use. The faucet should be reachable from a seated position.
• Clear Floor Space: Provide a clear floor space of 30 inches by 48 inches in front of the sink.
• Shower
• Roll-In Shower: For roll-in showers, the dimensions should be at least 60 inches long by 30 inches wide, with no curb for easy entry.
• Transfer Shower: Transfer-type showers should be at least 36 inches by 36 inches with a seat, grab bar, and a hand-held shower head.
• Grab Bars: Install grab bars horizontally along the back and side walls of the shower. The back wall bar should be at least 24 inches long, and the side wall bar should be at least 42 inches long.
• Shower Seat: Provide a fold-down seat that is securely attached to the wall, positioned 17 to 19 inches above the floor.